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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

67 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the international treaty on cyber crime formally adopted by the European Council of Justice Ministers late in 2001; and if she has been consulted on the ratification of the treaty. [3375/02]

I should point out first of all that the Council of Europe Convention on Cyber-crime comes under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Convention on Cyber-crime will be an important element in the fight against serious crime, in particular crimes using information communications technologies, ICTs, and crimes such as hacking or virus creation, which impact on the legitimate use of ICTs.

As with all criminal justice measures, a balance must be struck between the need for such measures on the one hand and the need to protect the rights of businesses and citizens on the other. When the convention is signed, it will be examined in detail with a view to bringing forward any necessary legislative measures.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform consulted my Department during the discussions leading to the adoption of the convention. I expect my Department to have further discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in due course, particularly about the scope of the convention and the safeguards that will be required to accompany its transposition into Irish law.

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